deteriorate

[dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt] / dɪˈtɪər i əˌreɪt /

VERB

decay, degenerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crumble decline degrade depreciate disintegrate ebb fade fail fall apart languish lessen lower regress sink slide undermine weaken worsen

STRONG

adulterate alloy break corrode corrupt debase debilitate decompose deprave descend flag impair injure lapse mar pervert retrograde retrogress rot skid spoil vitiate

WEAK

be worse for wear become worse disimprove go downhill go to pieces go to pot go to the dogs hit the skids lose it lose quality wear away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment elevate grow improve increase laud praise raise rise strengthen

STRONG

aid assist build clean cleanse clear cure fix heal help join mend purify put together

WEAK

construct develop get better

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Under former leader Hun Sen -- Prime Minister Hun Manet's father -- China poured billions of dollars into infrastructure investments, while Washington's relationship with Phnom Penh has deteriorated in recent years.

From Barron's

I might love Google as a user, but its capex is high and the quality of earnings has deteriorated.

From Barron's

The 20-year-old was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics, however his condition deteriorated and he became immobile with severe leg pain.

From BBC

His relationship with his female Inuit patrol partner deteriorates.

From The Wall Street Journal

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan also expressed alarm at the deteriorating political and security situation and had a similar message to Unmiss.

From BBC

deteriorate

Example Sentences

Related Words